Glorious Rest

God has graciously heard my cries and provided me with many different forms of rest and encouragement this week. I'm writing this post while sitting on a balcony snuggled up with my coffee, overlooking the beautiful blue ocean at Perdido beach. It is wonderfully peaceful with the wind blowing through the palms, the birds chirping, and the beaches void of any bodies other than our cute lifeguard. :) (Mom--before you comment, he is way too young for me)

Lately things have been going at full speed with no breaks in between. This is life and I don't know if it will ever change but I have begun to see the need to escape periodically so that I can recharge and continue to minister to those around me.

I was encouraged while listening to our church sermon a couple of weeks ago. One of my pastors preached on Mark 6:30-44 when Jesus feeds the 5,000. The key points that I walked away with were this:
1. Jesus acknowledged the disciples need for rest. I do not need to feel guilty about needing to escape every once in a while.
2. My image of rest and retreat may be different from God's. God commanded the disciples to feed the hungry while they were looking to rest. The disciples saw the masses as a burden and wanted to send them away but Jesus sees them and immediately shows them compassion and mercy.
3. When we feast on Jesus, we have new life and are refreshed. I need to escape and run to Christ constantly for rest.
4. Jesus works mighty miracles and will go to great lengths to feed his people! This feast should be a reminder of the heavenly feast we will have one day.